Tag Archives: GRACE

H1N1 influenza?

10 Mar

Visited the family doctor this morning for the blood test result. Thank God that it was positive without any flu virus so I can re-start my preparation for my 2nd mission in East Timor! I was suspected to have been infected with H1N1 influenza 2 weeks ago because of flu-like symptoms that improved but then returned with fever and worse cough.

 

As the incubation period of the flu can be between 1 to 7 days. I have been advised to watch out for persistent fever & cough after the 10-day anti-biotic. The persistent fever & cough are symptoms of penumonia which I must seek immediate medical treatment. In view of the inadequate medical resources in Timor, church leaders advised that I should delay my return to Timor, to go only when I have fully recovered. So I cancelled the flight & spent the next 2 weeks resting & fighting the virus with anti-biotic & loads of prayer (from many many faithful intercessors, thank YOU all!).

 

As I looked back, God showed me His grace & purpose in many ways:

  • I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to visit a family doctor whom I had avoided for a long time due to his criticism of my faith some years back. But God has opened his heart to share his struggles and I was able to share Jesus’ love with him during these 3 consultations. I pray God’s peace into this doctor’s heart so he can turn back to God for healing, restoration, hope & love;
  • I was able to attend the Love Timor’s District Anchors’ Consultation when I walked away greatly inspired & encouraged by what God is doing in Timor;
  • I was given divine appointment with my ex-staff to help her discern God’s direction for her career;
  • I was given more time to take care of logistics;
  • I was given time to be vaccinated against H1N1; and
  • I was able to spend more time with family & share my faith more!

 

And God has also enabled the airline to keep my ticket open. Once I produced the doctor’s letter that certified I was unfit to travel on Mar 1, I am now able to change the date of departure at no penalty cost! How awesome is that when the flight was cancelled less than 24 hours before take-off!!!

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

                                                            - Jeremiah 29:11

 

In His Love,

Lydia

10 Mar 2011

Singapore

Mestra Eskola

27 Jun

  “Ita hakarak mai eskola no ajuda hau atu hanorin ingles?”


 I was sipping the fragrant Maubisse coffee when the Mr C, vice-principal of the primary school asked this question, with a expectant look when we visited his home this morning. He was asking if we would like to help him teach English in the school.

 

We were pleasantly surprised by his request as we were just having a casual chat & not even talking what we liked to achieve in the next 2 months. This was the family that we were most concerned in terms of damaged relationship & had been praying for open doors to rebuild relationship before we leave in August.

 

As they lived opposite our temporary abode last year, they had observed much about what happened among the OLOY team members. They had also spent some time with members of the team but had some misconceptions about the reason(s) why the team broke up & left separately.

 

We were really thankful for their graciousness in not asking why the whole team left & then only 2 of us returned after 7 months. Instead they welcomed us back with open arms & even invited us to help teach English in the primary 6 class of 50 students. They had let the past go & focused on the present. This could only be possible because God is at work!

   

 By day the LORD directs his love,
   at night his song is with me—
   a prayer to the God of my life.

                                                        - Psalm 42:8 (NIV)

 

As I look forward to be a school teacher (mestra eskola), 3 times a week, I rejoice at God’s goodness throughout the day and night, taking care of my worries & putting joy in my life. Thank YOU Jesus, I love you!

 

With love from Maubisse,

Lydia

27.6.2010

Smelling the Roses

13 Jun

Flowers appear on the earth;
       the season of singing has come,
       the cooing of doves
       is heard in our land.

                                                                     - Song of Solomon 2:12 (NIV)

 

 

Attracted to the beautiful flowers at my neighbour’s garden, I lingered on. Then a lady came out of the house. She was smiling so I greeted her in Tetun. But she spoke English & asked if I am the Singaporean friend of M. She worked in the same hospital as M & heard about me. She then invited R & me into the house for coffee. I agreed readily & thanked God for the opportunity to know another friend in the neighbourhood.

 

Mdm L worked as a mid-wife & loved flowers (that explained the beautiful garden!). She spoke  fairly good English but was very humble to want to learn more. As we chat over the lovely local coffee (which I really like!), Dr G (who lived in the same house) joined us. When Dr G heard about our English class for kids , she immediately asked if we would help the hospital staff. Sensing God was showing us another way to reach out, I said ”yes” eagerly. We then exchanged telephone numbers. And Dr G promised to call me once she gets approval from the hospital director-general to proceed with the English class.

 

We chat about family, work, her home town & really enjoyed each other’s company. But my phone kept ringing, gentle reminders from another dear friend who had cooked lunch & was waiting to eat together before going for our outing later. So we had to take our leave.

 

I was trying really hard to contain my joy (by not dancing & screaming) as I left Dr G’s house. Little did I know that by taking time to smell the roses (which was a luxury when I was working in the corporate world), not only did I get to marvel at God’s hands at creation but He actually shows me the way to His plan! I have learnt to trust God by taking one step at a time as He never show us the whole book, only one page at a time …..

 

In the verse at the beginning of this post, even though flowers only give promises as the fruit is not ripe yet, King Solomon was singing & praising God for His promise of the advent of Jesus Christ. So I am praising God now for what He shows me today, the opportunity to build relationship with the hospital community, even though it may take some time for anything to happen. I know everything that happens today is only because of God’s grace and I am grateful.

 

Love from Maubisse,

Lydia

13.6.2010

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